Do I need Council Approval for my Shed?

Easyshed’s Role in Permits

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We often get asked about how we can help when it comes to permits and getting council approval. As Australia’s largest shed manufacturer, we focus our efforts on what we’re good at, and that is manufacturing sheds Australians have come to love and choose as their go-to in our 40-year history.

As an Australian shed manufacturer committed to providing quality products and services, we understand that navigating the process can seem tricky, even tedious, for our customers. Don’t worry because we’ve got some helpful documents that could help you through your council approval stage.

Here is the list of documents that we will provide that can help with your permit application:

·     Engineering Plans

·     Your Big Shed’s design and layout

·     Certificate of Compliance for Building Design or Specification

Beyond that, it's important to note that obtaining permits and approvals from your local council is your responsibility as the buyer. Consider getting in touch with a private building certifier and you’ll be one step closer to building the shed of your dreams, with a little less grinding from your side.

Let’s dive into other steps involved in obtaining permits and council approval for your shed project.

Understanding Permits and Council Approval

It's crucial to familiarise yourself with your local council's regulations about sheds and other structures.

Getting council approval for a development applications (NSW) or permits (VIC and QLD)  can vary depending on factors such as the size of your shed, its location on your property, and any specific zoning regulations in your area.

Your local council's website is an invaluable resource for obtaining this information. Keep an eye out for sections related to building permits, development approvals, or planning guidelines. We have a handy directory for different cities and their respective websites here.

Consulting with Professionals

If you're unsure about the permit requirements for your shed, consult the professionals! Reach out to an expert who specialises in building and construction regulations. Building surveyors, architects, or town planners can give expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances. While this may incur added costs, it can save you time and ensure that your shed project follows all relevant regulations.

Building a non-compliant shed can incur major charges, so it’s crucial to have this step carried out completely, legally, and as soon as possible.

Best to deal with it now than have to worry about it later.

Pro Tip: Getting the engineering drawings for your Big Shed will give your council or private building certifier a better representation of what you’re looking to get approved. For a small fee, we can release this document to you without locking you into paying for the entirety of the Big Shed cost. We’re all about options and this will give you the freedom to decide how to proceed once they’ve gone over the initial plans.

Preparing your Application

Once you've gotten a handle on what requirements are necessary and have consulted with authorities or professionals, it's time to prepare your permit application. Depending on where you’re located, this might be referred to as a Development Application(NSW) or Permit (VIC and QLD).

This involves submitting detailed plans and documentation to your local council for review.

Our Big Shed experts can provide you with engineering plans and specifications for your shed to include when you turn in your application.

If you don’t want to sweat the council approval process out yourself, engage a private certifier to do the groundwork for you. While this will incur an additional cost, they will submit all the documents to the council and act on any feedback to get the approval through faster, rather than you having to manage the approval process yourself.

Be sure to follow your council's guidelines for submitting applications and include any additional information or supporting documents needed.

The 3 Ps of Permit Approval

The permit approval process can take time, so it's important to have the 3 Ps of permit approval ready before getting started: patience, proactiveness, and persistence. Your application may undergo several rounds of review and you need to be patient and focus on what information they need so you can address any concerns or requests from your local council.

It’s important that you stay proactive and responsive throughout the process to move things along. Don't hesitate to reach out to your council for updates or clarification if needed.

Focus on the goal and surely persistence will pay off! Once you get your permit, you’re well on your way to building your dream shed and making it come to life.

Better Safe Than Sorry

Obtaining permits for a shed can be a long-winded and tedious process, but hey, nothing worth doing is easy! Getting approval for your shed by following regulations and the right documentation saves you heaps in the long run and lets you admire that beauty of a shed without fear of ever needing to take it down due to non-compliance or other potential fines.

By following our tips, we’re confident that you can come out on top and bring your shed vision to life. As always, our Big Shed experts are here to support you with engineering plans and their design expertise every step of the way.

Happy building!

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